Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Knee Active Range of Motion

🎬

Video coming soon

How to Perform

Ask the patient to move each knee through the full range of motion in flexion and extension. Compare sides and note any pain or restriction.

How to Interpret

This test’s findings are all below your current evidence filter.

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming soon

Knee Passive Range of Motion

Rule in:SHKnee Osteoarthritis, SHMeniscal Tear, IEKnee Effusion +2 more

Rule out:HKnee Osteoarthritis, MHMeniscal Tear, IEKnee Effusion +2 more

🎬Video coming soon

Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation

Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more

Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more

🎬Video coming soon

Ottawa Knee Rule

Rule in:MHKnee Fracture

Rule out:VHKnee Fracture

🎬Video coming soon

Rule in:VHFunctional Neurologic Disease, IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEFemoral Neuropathy +2 more

Rule out:SHFunctional Neurologic Disease, IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEFemoral Neuropathy +2 more

🎬Video coming soon

Knee Anterior Drawer

Rule in:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

Rule out:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

🎬Video coming soon

Knee Posterior Drawer

Rule in:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

Rule out:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

Related Systems / Regions

Knee Lower Extremities Musculoskeletal

Related Diagnoses

Extensor Mechanism Disruption Hemarthrosis Knee Effusion Knee Fracture Loose Body Meniscal Tear Synovitis

Related Chief Complaints

Difficulty Bending the Knee Difficulty Walking Knee Clicking Knee Giving Way Knee Injury Knee Instability Knee Locking Knee Pain Knee Stiffness Knee Swelling Pain with Twisting Weak Knee Extension

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

Solomon DH, Simel DL, Bates DW, Katz JN, Schaffer JL. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have a torn meniscus or ligament of the knee? Value of the physical examination. JAMA. 2001;286(13):1610-1620. doi:10.1001/jama.286.13.1610. PMID: 11585485.
Fowler PJ, Lubliner JA. The predictive value of five clinical signs in the evaluation of meniscal pathology. Arthroscopy. 1989;5(3):184-186. doi:10.1016/0749-8063(89)90168-0. PMID: 2775390.
Stiell IG, Greenberg GH, Wells GA, et al. Prospective validation of a decision rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries. JAMA. 1996;275(8):611-615. PMID: 8594242. (Derivation: Ann Emerg Med. 1995;26(4):405-413. PMID: 7574120.)
Deepak S, Priti G, Zishu T, Chetan P. The sitting active and prone passive lag test: a validity study in a symptomatic knee population. J Phys Ther Sci. 2023;35(5):312-319. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.312. PMID: 37131358. PMC10149295.
Kastelein M, Luijsterburg PAJ, Wagemakers HPA, Bansraj SCS, Berger MY, Koes BW, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA. Diagnostic value of history taking and physical examination to assess effusion of the knee in traumatic knee patients in general practice. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90(1):82-86. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2008.06.027. PMID: 19154833.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.